Frist: Senate to ponder lobby reform

WilliamL. Watts

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - As the Justice Department continues a probe into corruption on Capitol Hill, the Senate will examine proposals to tighten restrictions on lobbyists, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said on Wednesday.

"I will be working with colleagues this session to examine and act on any necessary changes to improve transparency and accountability for our body when it comes to lobbying," Frist, R-Tenn., said in a written statement.

Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff sent shivers through Washington Tuesday as he pleaded guilty in federal court to felony charges of mail fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials. Abramoff on Wednesday traveled to Miami, where he entered guilty pleas to charges of conspiracy and wire fraud in a related case regarding his 2000 purchase of a casino cruise line.

"Some members have already made recommendations to me, or introduced legislation. I look forward to working to secure the continued integrity of the Senate," said Frist. He said Abramoff's plea deal showed that the justice system works and wrongdoers would be punished.

As part of a plea agreement, Abramoff promised to help federal prosecutors probing political corruption. The investigation is seen potentially touching several congressional aides and lawmakers who received sports tickets, trips, meals, campaign contributions and other inducements from Abramoff or his associates. See earlier story.

In court documents filed Tuesday, prosecutors said Abramoff provided a "stream of things of value" to a lawmaker identified only as "Representative No. 1" in return for official favors. Reports identified the lawmaker as Rep. Robert Ney, R-Ohio, who has denied any wrongdoing.

The Wall Street Journal reported that prosecutors are looking into Abramoff's dealings with at least three other lawmakers and numerous current and former congressional aides.

The case also clouds prospects for former House majority leader Tom Delay's plans to return to the Republican leadership. House GOP rules required the Texas congressman to temporarily step down from his leadership post after he was indicted on unrelated state campaign-finance law charges.

Michael Scanlon, a former DeLay aide who later became a business associate of Abramoff, pleaded guilty last year to charges he joined Abramoff in a bribery scheme. DeLay took a controversial golf trip to Scotland with Abramoff in 2000.

In the plea agreement, Abramoff says that he and associates sought to bribe an unidentified Hill staffer by paying the staffer's wife $50,000. In return, the staffer, identified in news reports as a former DeLay aide, was asked for assistance in stopping legislation regarding Internet gambling and opposing postal rate increases.

An attorney for DeLay told the Journal that the congressman had encouraged people with information to cooperate with investigators and that DeLay was fully confident that he would be exonerated.

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